The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Frank Tipton Birk, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia, on 13 November 1970. On that date, flying under adverse conditions, over extremely hazardous terrain through sustained antiaircraft and small arms fire, Lieutenant Birk maintained his aircraft in the area to direct allied tactical air against dangerous hostile forces positions and targets. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Birk reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
U.S. Air Force Academy Southeast Asia Plaza of Heroes(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Frank Tipton Birk, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as a Forward Air Controller with the 17th Special Operations Squadron, and subsequently with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over Southeast Asia from 1970 to 1971. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Birk has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
-
Silver Star
U.S. Air Force Academy Southeast Asia Plaza of Heroes(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Frank Tipton Birk, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as a Forward Air Controller with the 17th Special Operations Squadron, and subsequently with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over Southeast Asia from 1970 to 1971. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Birk has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Frank Tipton Birk, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia, on 18 May 1971. On that date, while flying a visual reconnaissance mission over an hostile area through sustained antiaircraft and small arms fire, Lieutenant Birk maintained control of his severely damaged aircraft despite the wounds he received. Through his personal bravery under fire, outstanding judgment, personal dedication and determination, a valuable aircraft and two aircrew members lives were saved. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Birk reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.